Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Switching systems – Condition responsive
Patent
1984-06-08
1985-08-20
Pellinen, A. D.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Switching systems
Condition responsive
33169C, 33561, G01B 702, G01B 712
Patent
active
045366616
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to position-sensing apparatus. It is known, e.g. in numerically controlled machine tools, to provide a spindle having an axis of rotation, a support structure supporting the spindle for rotation, a probe having a body secured to the spindle for rotation therewith about said axis, the probe further having means for sensing an object, means for generating a signal responsive to such sensing, and external transmission means for transmitting the signal from said body to a location provided on said support structure at a given angular position about said axis. Said angular position is so selected that the external transmission means does not foul other equipment present on the support structure. However, it is often desirable to rotate the probe by rotating the spindle, e.g. for the purpose of a particular measuring manouvre. In the past such rotation was not possible because of the selected angular position of said location.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above difficulty by the provision of a sleeve supported on said body for relative rotation therebetween about said axis but against relative axial movement, connector means connecting said sleeve to said support structure against rotation relative thereto but allowing axial release therefrom together with release of said body from said spindle, internal transmission means for transmission of said signal between said body and said sleeve while accommodating relative rotation therebetween, and wherein said external transmission means is arranged for transmission of said signal between said sleeve and said location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in detail, and by way of example, hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:-
FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation of the tool spindle of a numerically controlled machine tool,
FIG. 2 is a section on the line II-II in FIG. 1, and
FIG. 3 is a part view in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The spindle, denoted 10, is mounted for rotation about its axis 10A in a stationary support structure or bearing housing 11. As an alternative to the usual cutting tool, the spindle 10 has secured thereto a position-sensing probe 12 having a probe body 13 supporting a stylus 14 whereby to engage a workpiece 15 for the purpose of sensing the position thereof. The workpiece 15 is supported on a table 16 which is measurably movable relative to the spindle 10. The probe is adapted to output a probe signal 17 responsive to engagement between the stylus and the workpiece during movement of the table 16. The probe signal 17 has to be transmitted to the bearing housing 11 for further transmission to a control system (not shown) adapted to determine the position of the table, and thus of the workpiece, at the instant of the probe signal 17. The probe 12 is connected to the spindle 10 by a taper member 18 and is removable from the spindle 10 in the direction of the axis 10A.
A sleeve 19 supported on the probe body 13 includes a radial arm 20 connected to the housing 11 by an axially releasable mechanical connector 21 comprising an axially directed first element 21A provided on the arm 20 and a second element or recess 21B provided on the housing 11 for engagement by the element 21A. The connector 21 supports the sleeve 19 against rotation but permits axial withdrawal of the sleeve 19 from the housing 11. The probe body 13 has a journal 22 on which the sleeve 19 is supported in a manner permitting rotation of the body 13 about the axis 10A while the sleeve 19 stands still. Shoulders 23, 23A on the body 13 prevent axial motion of the sleeve 19 relative thereto. The sleeve 19 has an annular groove 24 for engagement of the probe by a tool mechanism 25 whereby the probe and sleeve assembly 12, 19 can be axially removed from or inserted into its position on the spindle 10. The arm 20 is so positioned relative to a drive key 18A on
REFERENCES:
patent: 4145816 (1979-03-01), Stobbe et al.
patent: 4339714 (1982-07-01), Ellis
German Laid-Open Offenlegungsschrift 2 042 506 published Mar. 2nd, 1982.
British Patent Specification 819,417 published Sep. 2nd, 1959.
Deboer Todd E.
Pellinen A. D.
Renishaw plc
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